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Adventure and Yoga; It’s A Way of Life

Yoga and adventure; two things that appear to be in stark contrast to one another. Yoga is an ancient practice of developing harmony between mind, body, and spirit, and is often associated with peace, calm, and clarity. Adventure on the other hand, is often associated with thrilling stimulation, spontaneity, and excitement, and generally accepted as the pursuit of any unusual, daring, and perhaps borderline risky experience. Yoga can be considered an exploration of whats happening within, inner space, while adventure can be considered an exploration of whats happening outside, outer space.

So is it possible that there are similarities between the two, despite their almost opposition to one another? If we take a deeper look, we can easily identify some common threads. So let’s jump in!

Living In The Now

Yoga trains us to dwell deeply in each moment throughout our practice. To just be, and learn to find contentment in that being, with no worry of whats coming next. And adventure encourages us to take life by the horns and seize the day. At the core, they are both valuable teachers for learning how to be present. Because the present moment is the only place where we actually exist, where we breathe, where our hearts beat, where we are truly alive. They teach us to let go of the past, surrender to the future, and truly live in the now, capturing the beauty and magic of every passing moment.

It’s About The Journey, Not The Destination

Just like yoga is not about touching your toes or arriving at the perfect posture, adventure is not about arriving at a certain goal or destination either. Instead, they both revolve around the journey inward. And through that inward journey we are faced with obstacles and challenges that stimulate growth. They remind us that everything we need to be content and happy is deep within ourselves- and can not be found in any other person, place, or thing.

The Power To Connect

Another intangible similarity is their ability to heighten our awareness of unity. Through the exploration of inner space with yoga, and the exploration of outer space with adventure, we become more aware of the depth of our connection- to one another, ourselves, nature, and the entirety of the world and universe. And because of that awareness we become more compassionate and grateful towards life and all living beings because we understand that how we act, live, think, and feel will be reflected in the world in which we live and create.

Expanding Our Limits And Comfort Zones

Yoga and adventure are known for revealing our physical and mental boundaries. But with practice and experience in both, we are capable of pushing those boundaries little by little, progressing, and creating space for new possibilities. And they encourage us to move outside of those boundaries, by stepping out of our comfort zones. Whether it’s traveling alone somewhere new, jumping off a waterfall, or holding a yoga pose for longer than we are used to, yoga and adventure teach us to find comfort and pleasure in the uncomfortable.

So it’s clear that yoga and adventure are actually very similar at their core. Simply put, they are just different paths that lead to the same discovery of our inner voice. But a path is made up of many many stones. Some people prefer the stones of adventure and other prefer the stones of meditation. And some, prefer a mixture of stones.

I found the first stone on my yoga teaching path with Meta Yoga Studios in Breckenridge Colorado in 2012. Colorado is where my passion for both yoga and adventure intertwined as they took root, and began growing in a mutualistic relationship. Juli and Emily, the co-founders of GOYO Adventures, were both present as I embarked on that journey, to teach yoga with no idea as to where it would lead. Hence the adventure. I did not expect it to ever come full circle; to be writing this blog post, connecting with you, and joining their team to lead yoga adventure retreats. But I am, and I’m stoked. Because now, by leading yoga adventure retreats, Im able to share my passion with you, and guide you along your own individual path of adventure, and spread the stoke together, one namaste and exhilarating high five at a time.

Have you been thinking about going on a yoga/wellness retreat but are feeling nervous or a little apprehensive?

Here are 10 Reasons you SHOULD go on a yoga retreat.

Relax and de-stress. Its hard to give ourselves the permission to truly relax. Being on a retreat allows you to listen to your body, rest when you need it, and be free from stress with the support of those around you.

Eat well without having to do all the work. Bright, fresh foods! You don’t need to worry about grocery shopping, cooking, or even cleaning! The food will be nourishing, local, and prepared by one of our many amazing chefs to accommodate all food restrictions.

Gain new perspectives. Traveling is a great way to explore and put your life into perspective. It helps to open your eyes and your heart while letting go of control what life has in store for you.

Detox digitally.One of our favorite things about a retreat is limiting my cell phone/internet use. While most of our destinations have wifi, you will find yourself less likely to consume your days with technology.

Travel Safe & in numbers.Sometimes travel can be intimidating, so why not do it with a group. Feel safe and comfortable as you travel to new destinations.

Create new habits. Let go of old habits, set intentions, create clarity, and build connections preparing you for healthy habits and conscious new behaviors for when you return home that reflect your true self.

7. Take your yoga to the next level. Practicing yoga and living a healthy life style regularly can be challenging if you have a busy schedule. Beginner or advanced yogis, when on a retreat, you will enter into your practice and come out feeling more present and centered than ever before.

8. Learn to meditate. When you are less distracted by cell phones, computers, children, you will find it a lot easier to breathe, sit in beauty, and reconnect with what is important in your life.

Create new friendships.Feel the connections you create with those around you.

You deserve it! Take the leap! Often times the excuse is about money or time…but guess what, you deserve it.

Be kind to yourself and invest in yourself.

A GOYO Adventure will leave you feeling happier, healthier, and re-energized!

2. Hydrate & Cleanse. Hydration is key. Keep your body healthy with plenty of water. Try adding a few drops of doTERRA citrus oils like Lemon, Wild Orange, Slim & Sassy or Ginger to your water, juice or smoothies to assist internal cleansing too. I start each day with warm water and lemon oil and it has transformed my gut health, metabolism, digestion and pre-hydrates me for the day. Our gut health and digestion has a direct effect on our overall health both physically, mentally and emotionally. A healthy belly helps us to assimilate food properly and digest our experiences, emotions and life on a sensory level as well.

3. Nature Reboot. Spend time outside, feel the warm sunshine on your skin, breathe in the sweet summer air. Time in nature has a healing and purifying effect on the mind, body and soul. Exercise is also great tool to stimulate your circulatory and lymphatic system and clear out the heaviness and stress in the body. Nature fuels the soul, connecting to the vastness and beauty fosters expansion and growth in our lives.

4. Clean Green. Make over your cleaning routine, keep your house chemical free. Cut out the harmful and harsh chemical products and make DIY household cleaners with essential oils that are healthy for yourself and loved ones. Clean and purify the air by using OnGaurd, Purify or Citrus Oils in the Diffuser. Get lighter and declutter, donating anything you no longer need to those in need. It’s amazing how much clearer you can think when your closet and house is free of clutter.

5. Be Mindful. Incorporate a mindful practice into your daily routine, a time to be present, reflect, connect. This could be taking a moment to breathe consciously each day, yoga, meditation, journalling, coloring, creating, abhyanga-self massage, watching the sunset or taking a walk. Find a practice that help you to connect your mind, body and soul, to fall in love with life everyday.

6. Digital Detox. All the screen time in our lives can overwhelm our senses and wear on the health of our brain, eye-sight, vitality, sleep patterns. Take a break from the screens and “unplug” one hour before bed for better sleep. Be mindful to balance your screen time daily with more nourishing activities like quality time in nature, connecting with friends and family, reading, creating, setting an intention or any of the other mindful practices.

Happy Summer! With love ❤ Leslie

Leslie’s passion for yoga and life is contagious. She was introduced to yoga 16 years ago and it has remained an anchor of balance, growth, and radiance during her travels as a professional snowboarder and in her daily life; following the lead of her heart wherever she goes.

Her classes blend alignment, breath, creative sequencing and intention steeped in the traditions of Tantra Hatha Yoga to inspire courage, grace, and freedom for students. By integrating yoga, a sense of adventure, healthy lifestyle and mindful practices she hopes to inspire others to find balance, space and freedom in their lives, unlock their full potential and shine bright.

She is excited to combine her love of yoga, wanderlust and adventure with a retreat in the South Pacific this fall, Culture in Cambodia October 21-28, 2016. Committed to yoga as a life-long journey, she continues to study, learn and grow attending workshops and trainings whenever possible.

My nerves were making my whole body feel a little…off. Overall, I was uneasy and uncomfortable with everything happening in my life, however I was experiencing this natural high that had me so excited to adventure, experience and to overcome. Some say I was running to Haiti, but I say I ended up there because I needed to be there, to give, to provide perspective and to guide.

This trip to Haiti was a little different for me. I was going as a retreat co-leader. I was honored and excited that I was able to co-lead this retreat with Kristin O’Connell, founder of Devoted to Children Foundation (D2C). GOYO Adventures has partnered with D2C as our Seva, selfless service partner.

Devoted to Children, is a non-profit that is dedicated to caring for the orphaned, abandoned and enslaved children of Haiti. D2C provides a family home, education, nutrition, yoga and more to 8 strong, lovely little beings in the town of Cayes Jacmel. In addition, D2C supports sustainable community development through various educational and yoga based projects, such as an after school program and summer camp.

As I landed in Port au Prince, I felt clarity. I felt excitement. I felt dirty and I was dripping with sweat. I was eager. It was then that I snapped out of fight or flight mode and was reminded of the smells, the neon lighting, the Haitian smiles, their eagerness to communicate with you before stepping away from the airport. I was reminded why the road always leads me back to Haiti…

Only 5 minutes after landing in Haiti, Kristin and Kristi, retreat leaders, myself and their two children ended up on a 6 person puddle jumper where they have to weigh you and your bags, they pray before flying, and did I mention our co pilot was 7 years of age! We flew only a few thousand feet over the tall mountains, which felt like less. In these mountains were small villages scattered throughout, life out in the middle of nowhere! After a short ride over the mountain, we landed safely in the coastal town of Jacmel.

This place is beautiful in a Haitian way. The streets are dirty and hot, but, the smiles, the tap taps, the moto bikes, the hard workers, the children, the people that fill the streets, goats, chickens and cows all bring light and beauty!

We were staying at Cyvadier Plage Hotel, a fancy Haitian Hotel…in a Caribbean cove of crystal clear water, palm trees, green grass, and the most peaceful yoga platform.

On this trip we had 3 mothers, 3 daughters, and an artist, a yogi, and a traveling physical therapist who has hiked the AT and PCT. This group connected like we have known each other for years. My inner child came out as I found myself dancing, playing cards, and hanging with the kiddos more than the folks my age. If we could all see the world through the eyes of a child, we could see the magic in everything, their hearts wide open and full of love.

Together we got to spend a week in a beautiful beach setting, take part in morning yoga classes to set a daily intention and to keep grounded, see incredible sites, such as Bassin Bleu, create and finish a mural at the orphanage to bring color and brightness, play with the children at the beach, teach them yoga, help them with homework, and watch them at dance class.

Every day is an adventure in Haiti, from what you experience, what you learn, what you see, or what you may have to face…however that’s what makes Haiti, Haiti!

The Devoted to Children family home was clean and simple. Mama Nicole was in the kitchen preparing a meal for 8 hungry growing kids and the whole D2C staff, while Madame Diane was making sure the kids had completed their homework before heading to the beach for surfing and soccer with us.

The boys: Darwendy-11, Darwen 11, Fednel 15, Fransisco 17. The girls: Gloria 6, Rebecca 7, Sheelove 9, Alycha 9. These children speak a million stories. They all have their own personalities, and even though we don’t speak Creole, and they don’t speak English, we all laugh and play in the same language. The connection is real.

These kiddos have made a lasting impression on my life. They have reminded me of what it means to work hard, to be independent, to express love, and most of all, to smile. To be able to give without expecting anything in return is the greatest gift of all…let the Haiti high continue!

ABOUT US

Planning a truly memorable retreat takes time, experience and expertise. GOYO Adventures is a hands-on, personable, experienced boutique travel group who delivers the finest knowledge you need to find, book and arrange the perfect GOYO getaway.